Special Care . . .

Starching

Starching adds crispness and body to fabrics, enhances soil resistance, and makes ironing easier. There are several types of starches. Carefully follow label directions for spray or hand starching or starching in the washer.

Knits

A variety of knits are being used for many types of clothing and household furnishings. Many knits are machine washable, some are hand washable, and some must be dry-cleaned. When buying, make sure the garment has a care label with care instructions. These directions must be followed. Some knits are stretched during their manufacture and may shrink or relax when exposed to water.

Cotton Knits

Unless the label indicates that it is preshrunk, cotton knits will probably shrink to some degree. Overdrying contributes to shrinkage of cotton knits.

Wash water should be hot or warm suitable for color and soil. The rinse water should be cold.

Rayon Knits

Rayon stretches and shrinks easily. Treat as a delicate fabric and wash gently.

Synthetic Fiber Knits

Knits made from synthetic fibers or blends containing a high percentage of synthetics will generally keep their shape. When buying, make sure the trimmings (including belts) are machine washable, seams are not puckered, and zippers and trimmings are well fastened.

Knits of Man-Made Fibers In general, follow the rules for permanent press fabrics as they tend to have the same characteristics. Set machine to PERMANENT PRESS cycle. Set the wash water warm, or suitable for color and soil. Rinse water should be cold. Do not wash with lint-shedding fabrics. Separate items for color, washing whites separately.

Sweaters of Man-Made Fibers Follow directions for knits. Button sweaters and turn inside out. The ribbon behind the buttons and button holes may shrink. Stretch to shape after washing. Orlon sweaters may stretch. Avoid pulling them when wet. Dryer dry.

Wool Sweaters Loosely knit or delicately constructed sweaters will need delicate care. Hand wash. Measure garment before and after washing. Squeeze gently through the water with little motion. Rinse thoroughly. Block to shape and dry flat.

For sweaters labeled “machine washable”, follow manufacturer’s directions or use warm water wash and cold rinse. Dry flat. Excess agitation and excess tumbling are the main causes of wool shrinkage.

Wool Knits

Dry-clean wool knits unless labeled machine washable. Follow manufacturer’s directions.

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